April 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Interviews/questionnaires of "boat" pilots navigating within marine mammal conservation areas
by MARMAM Editors 06 Apr '07

06 Apr '07

Dear MARMAM members, I am a PhD student working on the elaboration of a management support tool software. This tool aims at helping managers of the St. Lawrence Estuary marine protected area (MPA) and the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park (SSLMP) in their decisions for marine mammals’ conservation. My specific project is to model the dense maritime traffic in the study area. I follow a cognitive approach (versus mechanistic) and consequently I need to conduct interviews with pilots of whale-watching vessels and commercial ships. To the extent of our partners’ knowledge from both Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada Agency, no such study has ever been conducted; another experienced colleague who worked along the Brazilian coasts for the account of NGO Brazilian Humpback Whale Institute has never heard of anything similar. An advanced personal search in the scientific literature didn’t reveal anything more. If somebody has some information about a similar project (particularly interviews and/or questionnaires with “pilots population”), please let me know; among other things, that would be very helpful to justify the need to imply human beings in my research for University Ethics Committee. Thanks in advance! Sincerely, Clément Chion, M.Eng. PhD student LIVIA – École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) 1100 Notre-Dame Ouest Montréal, Québec H3C1K3 Canada Tel: (514) 396-8800 ext.7674 Website: http://www.livia.etsmtl.ca/?LANG=en Complex Systems Laboratory Département de géographie – Université de Montréal C.P. 6128 succursale centre-ville Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 Canada Tel: (514) 343-8064 Website: http://www.geog.umontreal.ca/syscomplex/eng/mainframeset.html

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PBS Nature Doc. Film
by Brian McAllister 05 Apr '07

05 Apr '07

Hello! I was wondering if you could post this to your list? Thank you! My name is Brian McAllister and I work for Pangolin Pictures out of New York. We are doing a PBS Nature film entitled "Sexual Selection" which deals with a variety of animals and the choices they make during this selection process. For one of the segments in the film, we are looking at Seals and Sea Lions and the dynamic images of adult males displaying their territorial behavior during the breeding season. I've been in contact with Doreen Moser Gurrola from the Marine Mammal Center who pointed me to this list as a great way to contact people and get our information out there. We are looking to shoot from now until September and from what I gather, many of the Sea Lions and Seals do have their breeding season during this time. What we're looking for are scientists who are doing reproductive work with these animals and are interested in traveling internationally with us to Mexico, South America, New Zealand and/or Australia to be a part of this territorial behavior segment in the film and have information on areas and locations to film at. You may contact me at brian(a)pangolinpictures.com if you have interest in being a part of the film. Thank you! -Brian McAllister Pangolin Pictures brian(a)pangolinpictures.com

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new publication
by krasmussen＠mlml.calstate.edu 05 Apr '07

05 Apr '07

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Biology Letters. For a PDF copy please send requests to: krasmussen(a)mlml.calstate.edu Rasmussen, K., D.M. Palacios, J. Calambokidis, M. Saborio, L. Dalla-Rosa, E. Secchi, G. Steiger, J. Allen, and G. Stone. 2007. Southern Hemisphere humpback whales wintering off Central America: insights from water temperature into the longest mammalian migration. Biology Letters, doi:10.1098/rsbl.2007.0067. Abstract We report on a wintering area off the Pacific coast of Central America for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrating from feeding areas off Antarctica. We document seven individuals, including a mother/calf pair, that made this migration (~ 8,300 km), the longest movement undertaken by any mammal. Whales were observed as far north as 11°N off Costa Rica, in an area also used by a boreal population during the opposite winter season, resulting in unique spatial overlap between Northern and Southern Hemisphere populations. The occurrence of such a northerly wintering area is coincident with the development of an equatorial tongue of cold water in the eastern South Pacific, a pattern that is repeated in the eastern South Atlantic. A survey of location and water temperature at the wintering areas worldwide indicates that they are found in warm waters (21.1-28.3°C), irrespective of latitude. We contend that while availability of suitable reproductive habitat in the wintering areas is important at the fine scale, water temperature influences whale distribution at the basin scale. Calf development in warm water may lead to larger adult size and increased reproductive success, a strategy that supports the energy conservation hypothesis as a reason for migration. Sincerely, Kristin Rasmussen

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Distance sampling workshops, St. Andrews Scotland, August 2007
by Eric Rexstad 05 Apr '07

05 Apr '07

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting three linked workshops 15-25 August 2007 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software. The first workshop (3.5 days 15-18 Aug.) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on "conventional" distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book Introduction to Distance Sampling. The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program Distance. Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys. The second workshop (3 days 20-22 Aug.) will cover recent advances in distance sampling research and software, as described in the book Advanced Distance Sampling. It is intended for those already familiar with conventional distance sampling methods (e.g., those who have attended an introductory workshop). Participants will learn the use of covariates for modelling the detection function, double-platform methods for when detection at the line or point is not certain, automated survey design and adaptive sampling. Participants will also learn the more advanced features of Distance. The third workshop (2.5 days 23-25 Aug.) will focus on methods of predicting abundance or density of biological data using the "count" method of Hedley and Buckland (2004, Chapter 4 of the Advanced Distance Sampling book). In these situations variation in animal density/abundance is modelled as functions of covariates such as land cover type, bathymetry, altitude or depth, or other characteristics collected during a distance sampling survey. General additive models (GAMs) or general linear models (GLMs) will be fitted to estimated densities along transects using a new analytical engine inside program Distance. This is an advanced workshop for those already familiar with distance sampling. For all three workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Participants intending to model their own data in the third workshop will be required to have it formatted according to precise specifications prior to arrival at St. Andrews. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptop computers. For further information, please consult our website http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/index2007.html -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833

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Manatee & Dolphin Research Internship in Belize
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 04 Apr '07

04 Apr '07

Volunteer Internship Announcement Closing Date: April 20th, 2007 Project: Behavior and Ecology of Manatees & Dolphins in Drowned Cayes, Belize, Central America Principal Investigator: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph. D. Candidate, Texas A&M University Location: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center, Belize Adventure Lodge, Spanish Lookout Caye Research Permits issued by: Conservation Division-Forestry Department, Belize Primary Funding Agencies: The Earthwatch Institute and the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness and Education Project Details: Available Online at http://www.sirenian.org/LogisticsIntern2007.html 2007 Summer Internship Dates: 14 May - 31 August 2007 (approximate dates for 2 interns) Qualifications: Science oriented upper level undergraduate, graduate, or post-doc. The successful applicant must speak English, be a strong swimmer, must be well organized and comfortable with coordinating logistics for groups of 8-20 people, must have some field experience, and must be comfortable working with volunteers and living under rustic/primitive conditions. A positive "can do" attitude, love of interacting with an eclectic group of people, patience in dealing with both the public (volunteers) and the scientists, and high self-esteem and fun-loving nature will be extremely important to a successful field season. First aid, CPR, and snorkeling experience are of added value as is a background in biology, zoology, wildlife ecology, environmental or marine science, or conservation biology. Accepting Applications Immediately CLOSING DATE: April 20th, 2007 - FIRM Introduction: Be prepared to work very hard in exchange for this opportunity to participate in a unique manatee & dolphin field research project in Belize. Our Logistics Interns have five principle responsibilities: (1) coordinate, train, and interact with a diverse group of Earthwatch volunteers; (2) coordinate camp logistics, schedule and delegate responsibilies to volunteers; (3) oversee collection and reduction of field data (including GPS data, photo & video recordings, and seagrass and other environmental samples); (4) input data and expenses into database (MS Access, MS Excel, MS Word); (5) assist with local educational outreach program. The intern will also be expected to lead snorkeling trips on the reef, deliver lectures, and/or lead discussions on a topic or issue related to this project. Examples might include: Marine Protected Areas, Use-Preservation Paradox, Conservation, Biodiversity, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Coral Reef Ecology, Mangrove Ecology, Seagrass Ecology, Marine Invertebrates, Tropical Fishes, Marine Mammals, Marine Ecosystem Management, Endangered Species, Marine Reptiles, etc., etc., etc. Compensation: This is a volunteer position and the intern must purchase their own airfare to/from Belize ($600-$1000 depending on your departure city) and cover any travel expenses incurred when not on Spanish Lookout Caye. While at our camp, living expenses (room and board) will be provided. The interns will have time to travel around Belize (at their own expense) during breaks. To Apply: Carefully read and follow directions online at http://www.sirenian.org/LogisticsIntern2007.html Our 4 phase process to selecting interns include: 1. Email Caryn (caryn(a)sirenian.org) to get contact information for previous interns; communicate with at least 2 previous interns. 2. Submit an application by email as described on website not later than 20 April 2007. 3. If your application is selected for further consideration, we will send each of your references a questionnaire by 21 April 2007. 4. Upon receipt of answers to the questionnaire, IF we feel your strengths and weaknesses are a good match for ours, we will set up a telephone or personal interview by 26 April 2007. Invitations for the internship will be made by email or phone at least 14 days prior to the start date (~April 30th). Acknowledgments: The Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education, Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center, and the Earthwatch Institute provide financial support for our Logistics Internships. We are extremely grateful for their help in providing internship opportunities. Caryn Self Sullivan, Marine Scientist Email: caryn(a)sirenian.org, caryn(a)hpfoundation.org Personal Fax: 540.907.4597 Belize Cell: ++501 660.9148 or 606.3696 USA Mobile: 540.287.8207 TAMU-WFSC Ethology Lab: 979.845.0495 Virginia Office/Home 540.373.8205 ======================================= Belize Spanish Lookout Caye: ++501.220.4024 Belize HPF(BDC) Office: ++501.223.2333 (BDC 223.4526) SkypeIN: 540.322.2207 (local to Fredericksburg) SkypeID: carynselfsullivan http://www.sirenian.org/caryn.html ================================== Texas A&M University, Ph.D. Candidate Sirenian International, President & Co-Founder Earthwatch Institute, Principal Investigator Hugh Parkey Foundation, Marine Science Advisor The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org. The Hugh Parkey Foundation is dedicated to keeping Hugh's legacy alive by increasing marine awareness and conservation through education, sustainable tourism and research. Our model focuses on marine stewardship within the Belizean society and facilitates international outreach.

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Oceanic Society Research Course
by MOTA,MARIO JORGE 04 Apr '07

04 Apr '07

Hello everyone Please see the announcement for Oceanic Society's field course in Belize. For further information, please contact OS directly at 800) 326-7491. ********************************************************** Oceanic Society Research Course Field Course in Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Antillean Manatees, Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Bottlenose Dolphins: GIS mapping and boat surveys Field Site: Oceanic Society Field Station, Blackbyrd Caye, Turneffe Atoll, Belize Date: June 19-23, 2007 Instructors: Dr. Leslee Parr, San Jos? State University; Mario Mota, University of Florida. Local Belizean researchers will also contribute to the course. Cost: $1090 - Four students per cabana with shared bath and 3 meals/day. A double occupancy option is available for $1,390. Air Travel: Please call the Oceanic Society for details (415-441-1106)or(800) 326-7491 Course Description: Students will participate in a hands-on field study. This course will include instruction in general marine mammal and turtle ecology, anatomy, physiology, evolution and population biology and specifics about bottlenose dolphins, Antillean manatees, and Loggerhead turtles in Belize. Students will learn field assessment methods for dolphins, manatees, and turtles in their habitat, including GPS use and basic GIS location mapping. Discussion of conservation issues particularly related to isolated tropical ecosystems. Field excursions from the Blackbird Oceanic Field Station will compliment lectures and presentations. Location Description: Blackbird Caye is approximately 90 minutes by motor vessel east of Belize City. Operated by the Oceanic Society (www.oceanic-society.org) the Blackbird Caye Field Station sits on a low sand and mangrove island archipelago within the barrier reef system of Belize. This is a remote tropical island with no medical facilities. A private airstrip is available for emergency evacuation. Class format: Class size is small (10 maximum). Please contact the Oceanic Society in San Francisco for details at 415 441 1106 or (800) 326-7491. Course info: www.oceanic-society.org/pages/alltrips/spectrip5.html

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Marine Mammal History Workshop
by cristinabrito＠clix.pt 04 Apr '07

04 Apr '07

Hello everybody, There are still limited places available for the Marine Mammal History Workshop at the European Cetacean Society conference in Spain to be held on the 21st of April. Places are limited and the pre-registration deadline for the workshop is the 5th of April to the email escolademar(a)gmail.com (after that date we will only be accepting registrations if there is any availability). Our objective is to join researchers and students interested on the history of marine mammals and on their historical ecology. The purpose of the workshop is to make people more aware of the possibilities of this new and highly interdisciplinary area of research. Marine mammals and humans have a long common history of ecological and cultural interactions. But despite people's great interest in their lives marine animals and humans had also shared a series of conflicts in the use of marine environment. From sea monsters, to captured or stranded animals for human use, and more recently to natural populations that need to be studied and protected, marine mammals have always been present in human cultures all over the world. To address this presence and relationship, with all their historical, cultural and scientific characteristics is the main objective of the workshop. An historical, social and cultural perspective on the changes of mentalities and attitudes towards these protected marine animals will also be addressed. Please let me know as soon as if you are be interested in attending. Cristina Brito. ------------- Clix ADSL até 24 Mb: a partir de 29,90/mês A Internet mais rápida do mercado, agora com chamadas grátis e downloads ilimitados! Saiba mais em http://acesso.clix.pt/

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New publications week 11
by Jan Herrmann 03 Apr '07

03 Apr '07

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 11 / 2007, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Thanks to all of you who sent in reprints to be included in the weekly announcements. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Akamatsu, T. et al. (2007): Comparison of echolocation behaviour between coastal and riverine porpoises. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 290-297. Higham, J.E.S. and D. Lusseau (2006): Whalewatching and whaling: An urgent need for empirical research. Conservation Biology 21(2): 554-558. Mate, B.R., R. Mesecar, and B. Lagerquist (2007): The evolution of satellite-monitored radio tags for large whales: One laboratory's experience. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 224-247. Pastene, L.A. et al. (2007): Radiation and speciation of pelagic organisms during periods of global warming: the case of the common minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata. Molecular Ecology 16(7): 1481-1495. Frydman, S. and N. Gales (2007): HeardMap: Tracking marine vertebrate populations in near real time. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 384-391. Hooker, S.K. et al. (2007): Editorial. Bio-logging Science: Logging and relaying physical and biological data using animal-attached tags. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 177-182. Wilson, R.P. et al. (2007): All at sea with animal tracks; methodological and analytical solutions for the resolution of movement. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 193-210. PINNIPEDIA Bailleul, F. et al. (2007): Southern elephant seals from Kerguelen Islands confronted by Antarctic Sea ice. Changes in movements and in diving behaviour. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 343-355. Call, K.A. et al. (2007): At-sea and on-shore cycles of juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) derived from satellite dive recorders: A comparison between declining and increasing populations. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 298-310. Coltman, D.W. et al. (2007): Panmictic population structure in the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata). Molecular Ecology 16(8): 1639-1648. Fuiman, L.A. et al. (2007): Structure of foraging dives by Weddell seals at an offshore isolated hole in the Antarctic fast-ice environment. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 270-289. Hall-Aspland, S.A. and T. Rogers (2007): Identification of hairs found in leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) scats. Polar Biology 30(5): 581-585. Hassrick, J.L. et al. (2007): Swimming speed and foraging strategies of northern elephant seals. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 369-383. Liebsch, N. et al. (2007): Mouthing off about fish capture: Jaw movement in pinnipeds reveals the real secrets of ingestion. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 256-269. Lonergan, M. et al. (2007): Using sparse survey data to investigate the declining abundance of British harbour seals. Journal of Zoology 271(3): 261-269. McCafferty, D.J., J. Currie, and C.E. Sparling (2007): The effect of instrument attachment on the surface temperature of juvenile grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) as measured by infrared thermography. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 424-436. Ponganis, P.J. (2007): Bio-logging of physiological parameters in higher marine vertebrates. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 183-192. Robinson, P.W. et al. (2007): A comparison of indirect measures of feeding behaviour based on ARGOS tracking data. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 356-368. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Tinker, M.T. et al. (2007): Individual dietary specialization and dive behaviour in the California sea otter: Using archival time-depth data to detect alternative foraging strategies. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 54(3-4): 330-342. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Working with Marine Mammals Certificate and summer classes
by Jenifer Hurley 03 Apr '07

03 Apr '07

I would be grateful if you would announce the following summer courses (Working with Marine Mammals & Techniques and Theories of Animal Training) to the MARMAM mailing list. Thanks very much, Jenifer Zeligs-Hurley, Ph.D. California State University Monterey Bay and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/ offer one-week intensive summer classes open to any individuals interested animal training or in pursuing careers in the marine mammal field. In addition, hands-on internships for people of all ages and levels of experience are also available at the lab working with marine mammals. The successful completion of both courses and a five-day internship will earn a Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammalogy. The classes' instructor, Dr. Jenifer Hurley has over 20 years of terrestrial and aquatic animal training experience, across diverse disciplines including research, public display, and studio and film work. For further information see below and please contact: jhurley(a)mlml.calstate.edu Classes: TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES OF ANIMAL TRAINING: Bio 348 (June 18-24, 2007): This 3 credit interactive course provides students an in-depth understanding of the discipline of animal training across many different types of terrestrial and aquatic animals and techniques. It provides an exceptional background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying animal behavior. These techniques will be demonstrated daily using trained sea lions at Moss Landing Marine Labs where the course is taught. Horses, birds, and other animals will also be used to demonstrate these techniques. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care and training of research-trained sea lions. Topics covered will include: Captivity, Why Train? Communication, Motivation, Desensitization, Aggression, and Practical Training. $430.00 + $39 campus fee per semester + $50 lab fee WORKING WITH MARINE MAMMALS: Bio 347 (July 2-8, 2007): This 3 credit course is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include live experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs. This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also gain experience in developing a resume, job interviews, and public presentations. $430.00 + $39 campus fee per semester + $50 lab fee (If you book both classes- subtract $39 booking from the second price). Registration: For registration, enrollment and other logistical information please contact Cal State Monterey Bay http://extended.csumb.edu/ or call them at 831-582-4500. How to Register in the course(s): Complete the course registration form and the dorm room request form as appropriate. 1. [ http://extended.csumb.edu/EEregistration.htm ]CSUMB EE Course Registration form - http://extended.csumb.edu/forms.htm Fax registration form with credit card information to 831-582-4502. or Mail form and payment to: CSUMB - Extended Ed 100 Campus Center, Bldg 80-120, Seaside, CA 93955 No refunds after June 10, 2007. Enrollment for each class limited to 18. Registration for open enrollment begins May 5 (CSUMB students can enroll starting April 30th). The classes are open for enrollment to any high school graduate regardless of age or nationality, however no transportation or housing is included in the enrollment price. For housing information see below. Courses will be taught at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Moss Landing, CA. Lodging: Lodging and meals is available at the dorms on CSUMB campus. Please contact Karen Sellick (831)- 582-4142 for pricing and availablity. Jenifer Zeligs-Hurley, Ph.D. Science and Environmental Policy, California State University Monterey Bay Director of SLEWTHS Science Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, CA 95039 v: (831)-771-4191 fax:(831)-632-4403 http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/

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Abstract Submission Deadline Extension for the 3rd International Workshop on Detection and Classification of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics
by Heather Pettis 03 Apr '07

03 Apr '07

The abstract submission deadline for the 3rd International Workshop on Detection and Classification of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics (Boston, MA USA 24-26 July 2007) has been extended to 16 April 2007. Notification of acceptance will go out on 30 April 2007. Please see website at www.rightwhaleweb.org/workshop for specific workshop details. Thank you. Heather Pettis New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110

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